ISLAMABAD: The foreign ministers of Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday discussed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with Islamabad saying that dialogue was the only way to end the crisis.
The statement came amid continuing US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s counterstrikes against US interests as well as oil and other infrastructure in Gulf countries, disrupting fuel supplies and trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged all sides to exercise restraint and said that it was willing to host talks between the US and Iran to help end the ongoing hostilities which began with Feb. 28 strikes on Iran following the failure of talks on Tehran’s nuclear program.
“They exchanged views on the evolving regional situation,” the Pakistani foreign office said, after a telephonic conversation between Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Emirati counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed.
“FM underscored the importance of peace and stability, calling for immediate de-escalation and emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward.”
The statement came after the UAE defense ministry said it had intercepted five ballistic missiles and 17 drones coming from Iran. The attacks have killed at least three Pakistani nationals in the Gulf country.
Dar expressed sorrow over the precious lives, according to the Pakistani foreign office
“[He] reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with the UAE,” it added.
